Angel di Maria: I never wanted to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United

Found happiness: Di Maria admitted he didn't want to go to Manchester
KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images
James Benge29 October 2015

Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel di Maria has revealed that he never wanted to leave Real Madrid before his move to Manchester United last year.

The Argentine international signed for a British record £59.7 million and was expected to be the fulcrum of incoming manager Louis van Gaal’s side. However after a bright start to his United career he found it difficult to settle in England, moving to Paris in the summer at a £15 million discount.

The 27-year-old will make his first return to the Bernabeu in next week’s Champions League group game and he admitted that it was not his decision to leave Madrid.

He told Marca: "My intention was always to stay at Real Madrid. I didn't have much relationship with [club president] Florentino Perez."

Di Maria has flourished since his move to Ligue 1, impressing as part of an attacking trident alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani, guiding PSG to a seven point lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Their recent Champions League match against Madrid saw the French champions barely cling on to a 0-0 draw at home, but Di Maria is confident an improved PSG can start on the road to glory on Tuesday.

"PSG can win the Champions League," he said. "Players want the trophy and the club wants the trophy. We'll see a brave PSG at the Bernabeu.

Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

"I will not forget the fans of Real Madrid. That ovation in my last game was special and I will always be grateful to the fans of Real Madrid.

"If I score at Bernabeu I won't celebrate it. It's a matter of respect for those who were my fans and my partners."

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